It’s officially hurricane season, and seamen and other maritime workers need to take extra precautions. In fact, forecasters from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predict that the 2017 hurricane season will be more active than normal. While no hurricanes have formed yet, tropical storm Cindy recently made landfall in Louisiana before weakening into a… Read More
Company Asks Court to Determine Whether Injured Worker Is Seaman
An Assumption Parish man and Viral Investments, LLC (doing business as DHD Offshore Services) can’t agree on whether the man is an “injured seaman” within the meaning of the Jones Act. In fact, the company has filed a complaint for a declaratory judgment, which essentially means that it is asking a court to say that… Read More
Two Recently Filed Jones Act Lawsuits
Maritime workers who are injured on the job may bring a claim under the Jones Act, a federal law that protects injured seamen and allows them to recover damages from negligent employers. (A seaman is someone who performs a significant amount of work on an offshore vessel.) The Jones Act covers everyone, from the most… Read More
This Texting and Driving Video could Save a Life!
Check out this texting and driving Video from the YouTube reality TV channel for teens, SummerBreak.
Professions at Risk of Asbestos Exposure
There are inherent risks involved in a number of professions (like playing professional football or working on an oil rig), but there are some risks you might not always think about. One example is exposure to asbestos. While asbestos use is strictly regulated, Louisiana law permits the use of asbestos in certain products. For more… Read More
Driving While under the Influence of Drugs As Dangerous as Drunk Driving
Generally, driving under the influence is associated with drunk driving. But alcohol is not the only substance that impairs drivers. Driving while under the influence of drugs can be equally impairing and carries the same penalties as driving while under the influence of alcohol. (Drivers can also get in trouble for driving while under the… Read More
Which Law Applies: Maritime Law or Louisiana Law?
Injured Offshore Well Worker A federal appeals court recently held that maritime law applies to a case involving an injured offshore well worker. The question in the case was whether Louisiana law or maritime law should be used to interpret the contract that resulted in the injury. Background This lawsuit involved a contract to perform… Read More
Common Mistakes Made After Car Accidents
Car accidents are stressful — and often expensive. While it might seem counterintuitive that hiring a personal injury attorney will save you money, an experienced attorney can help ensure that you receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and other accident-related expenses. In fact, one of the biggest mistakes you can make after being… Read More
Examples of Cruise Ship Injuries
Maritime injuries can occur on any vessel, including cruise ships. When a crew member is injured on a cruise ship, his or her injury is covered under the Jones Act, a federal law that protects injured seamen and allows them to recover damages from negligent employers. When a passenger is injured on a cruise ship,… Read More
Federal Court Limits Amount Injured Maritime Workers Can Recover from Third Parties
When a worker is injured on the job, it is often because the employer was negligent. But sometimes a third party, and not the employer, is to blame. That’s what happened to Robert dePerrodil, a maritime worker whose injury was caused by a third party. The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act provides compensation to… Read More